Comparing 5-day and 9-day radiation for early-stage breast cancer

FAST NOVEMBER: A Phase II Randomized Trial of a 5 vs. 9-day Course of Whole Breast Radiotherapy With Boost for Early-stage Breast Cancer

Phase 2 Interventional University of Utah · NCT06961955

This study is testing whether a shorter 5-day radiation treatment is just as effective as a longer 9-day treatment for women with early-stage breast cancer after surgery.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment144 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Utah Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Trial IDNCT06961955 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a 5-day versus a 9-day course of whole breast radiation therapy for women with early-stage breast cancer. Participants will receive radiation treatment after undergoing lumpectomy, and the study will assess outcomes related to cancer control and side effects. The research focuses on determining whether a shorter radiation course can provide similar benefits to the longer course, potentially improving patient convenience and quality of life.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are women aged 18 and older with histologically confirmed invasive breast carcinoma or Ductal Carcinoma In Situ who have undergone lumpectomy.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced breast cancer or those who have not undergone lumpectomy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to a more efficient radiation treatment schedule for early-stage breast cancer patients, reducing treatment time without compromising effectiveness.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with shorter radiation courses in breast cancer treatment, indicating that this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Female participant aged ≥ 18 years.

  --Participants must have at least one of the following risk factors:
  * Grade 3 invasive histology
  * Estrogen receptor positivity less than 5%
  * Lymphovascular invasion
  * Invasive margins \<2mm on surgical pathology
  * DCIS final positive margin
  * Extensive intraductal component
  * Age ≤ 50 years
  * Tumor size \> 2 cm
* Histologically confirmed invasive carcinoma or Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) of the breast.
* Breast cancer stage (AJCC v8) T0-3, N0, M0. T0 N0 is allowed if whole breast radiation is recommended by the treating physician.
* Lumpectomy within 84 days of the start of radiation.
* ECOG Performance Status ≤ 2, or KPS ≥ 50
* Negative inked histologic margins from lumpectomy, with the exception of a focus of positive margin at the pectoralis fascia.
* Negative pregnancy test for participants of childbearing potential, evidence of permanent surgical sterilization, or post-menopausal status. The post-menopausal status will be defined as having been amenorrheic for 12 months without an alternative medical cause. The following age-specific requirements apply:

  * \< 50 years of age:

    * Amenorrheic for ≥ 12 months following cessation of exogenous hormonal treatments; and
    * Luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels in the post-menopausal range for the institution
  * ≥ 50 years of age:

    * Amenorrheic for 12 months or more following cessation of all exogenous hormonal treatments; or
    * Had radiation-induced menopause with last menses \>1 year ago; or
    * Had chemotherapy-induced menopause with last menses \>1 year ago
* Sexually active participants of childbearing potential must agree to use highly effective method of contraception (defined in Section 5.4.1) during the course of radiation and for 30 days after radiation.
* Able to provide informed consent and willing to sign an approved consent form that conforms to federal and institutional guidelines.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Bilateral breast cancer.
* Prior radiation therapy to the chest.
* Prior chemotherapy.
* Recurrent disease.
* Known metastases or node positive.
* Major chest surgery which is expected to impact study participation 8 weeks prior to starting study drug.
* Prior breast malignancy in either breast.
* The diagnosis of any other malignancy which, in the opinion of the Investigator, is likely to negatively impact the subject's safety or ability to participate in the study.
* Current evidence of uncontrolled, significant intercurrent illness including, but not limited to, the following conditions:

  * Cardiovascular disorders:

    * Congestive heart failure New York Heart Association Class III or IV, unstable angina pectoris, serious cardiac arrhythmias.
    * Stroke (including transient ischemic attack \[TIA\]), myocardial infarction (MI), or other ischemic events, or thromboembolic event (e.g., deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism) within 3 months before the first dose.
  * Any other condition that would, in the Investigator's judgment, contraindicate the participant's participation in the clinical study due to safety concerns or compliance with clinical study procedures (e.g., infection/inflammation, intestinal obstruction, unable to swallow, social/ psychological issues, etc.)
* Significant post lumpectomy complications requiring an unplanned re-operation for surgical complications or admission for IV antibiotics. Re-operation for margins evaluation or nodal evaluation is acceptable. Draining of a seroma is not considered a complication unless it has become infected.
* Breast neuroendocrine carcinoma or sarcoma histology.
* Radiation sensitizing disease or condition (e.g. connective tissue disease, li fremani, etc.).
* Medical, psychiatric, cognitive, or other conditions that may compromise the participant's ability to understand the participant information, give informed consent, comply with the study protocol or complete the study.
* Participants receiving concurrent radiation sensitizing medications or therapies.

Where this trial is running

Salt Lake City, Utah

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Breast CancerInvasive Carcinoma of BreastDuctal Breast Carcinoma in Situ
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.